How to LS Swap a FJ60 or FJ62. Quick and dirty guide for regular folks wanting to do an engine swap in their driveway. (1 Viewer)

[Bushwookie94]

If I was only able to find a high mileage 3rd or 4th gen then I would get a 3rd or 4th and do a light rebuild. Have the bores honed, fresh rings, reuse the pistons, new oil pump, and put it back together. The pistons and bores seem to barely wear much. I dont like the oil control land oil drain design of the stock pistons though. If reusing i would drill some holes in the oil control lands for better drainage. Or I would go for glory if i had a bit more money and put a stroker kit in it with a truck norris cam. Turn a 6.0 to a 6.8. This is my biggest regret is that I didn't do a stroker kit in my motor. Stroker kits aren't too expensive at all compared to buying a crate motor. The power of the 5th gen would be cool too if its in the budget. It seems like its more expensive and more complicated. I think the 8 speed is over rated too. So many speeds may provide a very smooth driving experience, but it seems a little unnecessary. Usually that many speeds are used for small turbo motors like eco boost type engines that have narrow power bands. The LS has a large power band. I really don't think any more than 6 speeds is necessary. That's just my opinion though.

I believe in this case, the extra gears are for fuel efficiency. The EPA increased their fuel efficiency guidelines I think.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Apologies of this has been covered elsewhere. About to pull the trigger to have someone rebuild a 4L60 for my LS build. 60 body on shortened fzj80 frame. LM7, 4.11 diffs, 35 tires. Needs to hit the highways at 80mph and do moderate trails (no buggy stuff). May tow a small camper trailer (Single axle less weighing less than 1000 lbs. Nothing crazy

Is there any need for upgrades to the clutch packs that are for more severe duty? Go OEM or other brand?

Heard it might be good to upgrade the sunshell to 5 gears (4L65E). Need some feedback.

Should the torque converter be OEM or other?

Planning to run a remote cooler. Some use radiator to cool transmission, but thinking separate is better just in case engine gets a tad hot on the trails.

 

[cornboy]

CD, I have been told the 4L60 upgraded with OEM 4L80 would suffice what you and I want. Dependable. trail rig, no buggy stuff. Able to maintain modern urban traffic.
Let me know if you hear differently.
Cheers!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Bill, I have AA adapter kit for the 4L60E, so staying with 4L60E. Are suggesting 4L80 components can be upgraded into the 4L60 or are you suggesting buying a 4L80?

 

[Megadoomer]

I have those exact specs in my pig. I do trails and have gone 100 mph (don't recommend) 70-80 is a good cruising speed. I wish I upgraded to the 65 but chose to just add clutches and improved sun gear shell. Not issues so far. I plan to tow a small trailer and plan to change my gears to 4.88. On the freeway now, a small hill will force a down shift and would be worse with a trailer.

I used an external cooler and like it more.

I do not agree with going to a 4l80. The gearing is really poor for offroad imo.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

I have those exact specs in my pig. I do trails and have gone 100 mph (don't recommend) 70-80 is a good cruising speed. I wish I upgraded to the 65 but chose to just add clutches and improved sun gear shell. Not issues so far. I plan to tow a small trailer and plan to change my gears to 4.88. On the freeway now, a small hill will force a down shift and would be worse with a trailer.

I used an external cooler and like it more.

I do not agree with going to a 4l80. The gearing is really poor for offroad imo.

What clutches did you add? OEM? Other?

 

[Megadoomer]

I got a rebuild kit that iirc was double the amount of clutches. My father in law ordered it so I don't have a lot of info.

 

[dbbowen]

Definitely do the 65 upgrade or get a strengthened one pre built. The gearing is better on the 4l60 and it’s like half the weight. Unless you’re adding power to your LM7 you’ll feel the power loss from the 4l80e

 

[cornboy]

Bill, I have AA adapter kit for the 4L60E, so staying with 4L60E. Are suggesting 4L80 components can be upgraded into the 4L60 or are you suggesting buying a 4L80?

suggest you stay with your existing 4L60 then upgrade with 4L80 components (adapter and output shaft).

You can use the same computer & harness you have. There is a pin-out mod for the harness.

4L60E to 4L80E Conversion

Please verify with your shop.

 

[cruisermatt]

suggest you stay with your existing 4L60 then upgrade with 4L80 components (adapter and output shaft).

You can use the same computer & harness you have. There is a pin-out mod for the harness.

4L60E to 4L80E Conversion

Please verify with your shop.

I would suggest you hit the pause button on giving advice on this topic until you have a little more experience with what you're talking about.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Definitely do the 65 upgrade or get a strengthened one pre built. The gearing is better on the 4l60 and it’s like half the weight. Unless you’re adding power to your LM7 you’ll feel the power loss from the 4l80e

So stick with OEM torque converter as well? Might do this because most aftermarket harness (PSI) assume stock. I am hearing corvette servo is also a good upgrade for crisper (less flaring) shifts.

 

[dbbowen]

So stick with OEM torque converter as well? Might do this because most aftermarket harness (PSI) assume stock. I am hearing corvette servo is also a good upgrade for crisper (less flaring) shifts.

I’d go corvette 1-2 shift solenoid, and servo if you’re in there. It’s a noticeable difference. Your harness won’t care what TC you use. Your tune will take that into account

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

I’d go corvette TC, 1-2 shift solenoid, and servo if you’re in there. It’s a noticeable difference. Your harness won’t care what TC you use. Your tune will take that into account

Thanks!!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Thanks!!

Need to do some

I have those exact specs in my pig. I do trails and have gone 100 mph (don't recommend) 70-80 is a good cruising speed. I wish I upgraded to the 65 but chose to just add clutches and improved sun gear shell. Not issues so far. I plan to tow a small trailer and plan to change my gears to 4.88. On the freeway now, a small hill will force a down shift and would be worse with a trailer.

I used an external cooler and like it more.

I do not agree with going to a 4l80. The gearing is really poor for offroad imo.

are you using a stock torque converter? How is it offroad on 4Lo both up and down steeper inclines. I am doing some interwebs reading and its not very clear. Most discussions are on drag street stuff looking at peak rpm and peak Hp and tapping the sweet spot. Higher stalls rpm creates more heat. Not where i want to be. Also lots of information on torque converter diameters. Appears stock 5.3L LM7 on a 4x4 Denali is about 1700 rpm. Still trying to find stock Dia and stock pilot bearing information as well. Several #s floating out there that I cant validate as stock. Going for the FJ60 4 speed behavior out of my 4L60E. Great engine breaking at about 2500 rpm so mechanical cooling fan does its job at slow speeds on the trails. I read that larger diameter is better for offroad applications. Want to benefit from the higher rpm power on the highway. I know you run a mechanical fan on your rig and your observations/info will be valuable to many.

@thatcabledude, anything you can add to this discussion?

 

[samc2447]

I would suggest you hit the pause button on giving advice on this topic until you have a little more experience with what you're talking about.

You don't know anything about him or his experience. But, on the other hand...

 

[tmxmotorsports]

You don't know anything about him or his experience. But, on the other hand...

View attachment 3364962

Is it storytelling time good timing if so I just got beer and some chips from the store.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

suggest you stay with your existing 4L60 then upgrade with 4L80 components (adapter and output shaft).

You can use the same computer & harness you have. There is a pin-out mod for the harness.

4L60E to 4L80E Conversion

Please verify with your shop.

2 totally different adapters with some problems on the 4l80e adapter might be able to search for it under my username don't know also some wiring differences ie transmission speed sensor and the length between transmissions along with transfer case adapters will be different so transmission mount will be need to be fabricated switching one from the other drive shaft lengths will change 4wd shifters will need different mounts no provisions for that on 4l80e adapter and I may be missing some other things as far as 4l80e components going into a 4l60 don't know about all that.
Tommy

 

[Megadoomer]

Used a stock 4x4 converter. Have a fan clutch. I also rebuilt the engine back to stock. It has the best low end torque of all of the different motors and setups.

I have not had any issues on the trail. Sometimes if I'm climbing a lot I put it in 4lo, not so much for traction but just not to lug the transmission. But haven't seen issues in hi at all.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Used a stock 4x4 converter. Have a fan clutch. I also rebuilt the engine back to stock. It has the best low end torque of all of the different motors and setups.

I have not had any issues on the trail. Sometimes if I'm climbing a lot I put it in 4lo, not so much for traction but just not to lug the transmission. But haven't seen issues in hi at all.

Thats great information. This gives me what i need. Thanks!

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Used a stock 4x4 converter. Have a fan clutch. I also rebuilt the engine back to stock. It has the best low end torque of all of the different motors and setups.

I have not had any issues on the trail. Sometimes if I'm climbing a lot I put it in 4lo, not so much for traction but just not to lug the transmission. But haven't seen issues in hi at all.

Is your wiring set up so the ecm knows your in low range ?